Gearing up for back to school

SUSAN MEINHOLZ

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Families around the district have been busy buying supplies and clothing to prepare for the new school year. Elementary school students are organizing their pencils and crayons, anxiously waiting to meet their new teachers. High school students have their schedules in hand, all set to meet the challenges of their new classes. The campus principals and teachers are busy gearing up for that first bell to ring on August 14.

"I'm excited about the year coming up and extending a warm welcome to our students," she said. "I have some great volunteer friends to work with the kids and we will have a lot of fun stuff going on for math and reading."

"I'm looking forward to a wonderful school year with a wonderful team and a fantastic administration," said fifth-grade teacher Liz Tims.

Odilia Garcia, who has taught grades one through five throughout her career, will be teaching kindergarten for the first time.

"I'm sure I'll love it," she said. "I can hardly wait to see the babies that are coming in."

Principal Kathy Shealy said she is excited about getting back together with everyone and has great plans for the $50,000 science grant the school received. "We have a lot of exciting projects coming our way for each grade level," said Shealy. The teachers have been busy over the summer participating in staff development. One group went to a science conference in California.

"They can't wait to meet with me to share some ideas," she said. "Staff development is critical for students and learning."

The big news at Humble ISD continues to be the growth of the district.

Atascocita High School is opening its doors to students this year and new elementary schools Eagle Springs and Park Lakes will welcome students as well.

During the summer, virtually every campus has been renovated, repaired and received

technology upgrades. Both Kingwood and Humble high schools are undergoing major renovations that are expected to be complete by the start of the 2008 school year. Temporary building villages are in place at both schools to accommodate students during the renovations.

During the Humble High School renovations, the Humble Ninth Grade Campus will house ninth and 10th graders, while 11th and 12th graders will be housed at the high school. Student parking will be behind the baseball field.

Kingwood parking spaces will be limited; a lottery system will be utilized to assign available spaces.

Parent drop-off and pick-up will be moved to the doors leading to the athletic foyer.

The Kingwood Ninth Grade Campus will continue construction to become a full high school campus in August 2007.

School lunch prices for the district are staying the same, $1.85 for elementary and $2 for both middle and high schools. Parents are encouraged to use the prepayment service, Paypams, that allows users to add money to their lunch account online or by phone. There is a 5.6 percent fee per payment to use the service. More information can be found on the district Web site www.humble.k12.tx.us.

Schedules for school bus riders are posted on the district Web site as well.

Get ready for school

Humble Elementary School - 281-641-1100

After registering online, parents should bring required documents to the school from noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 or from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. A Title I meeting for parents will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11. All families are invited to Back to School Fest from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. Families will be able to meet teachers, tour the school and more.

Jack Fields, Sr. Elementary School - 281-641-2700

After registering online, parents should bring required documents to the school from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 10, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9 or on Aug. 11. All families are invited to First Day Fest from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 12. Families will be able to meet teachers, tour the school and more.

Lakeland Elementary School - 281-641-1200

After registering online, parents should bring required documents to school from 9 to 11 a.m. or from 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 9-11. All families are invited to meet teachers and visit classrooms from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 during Back to School Fest.

North Belt Elementary School - 281-641-1300

After registering online, parents should bring required documents to the school from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 11 or from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 10. All families are invited to Meet the Teacher/Title I Information/Orientation to be offered at 4 p.m. and at 5 p.m. on Aug. 11. An Open House/Title I Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12.

Park Lakes Elementary School - 281-641-3200

Students who attended an Humble ISD school in 2005-2006 but are now zoned to Park Lakes will be automatically registered. Students who are new to the district should register online after. After registering online, parents should bring required documents to the school from 8:30 to 11 a.m. or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. Meet the Teacher will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 11.

Middle School

Humble Middle School - 281-641-4000

After registering online, parents should call 281-641-4007 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make an appointment to complete the registration process. An orientation for sixth-graders and new students will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 10. Open house will be held on Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for a Title I meeting and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for classroom visits.